The Fayette Citizen-Sports Page
Wednesday, December 22, 1999
Fayette Youth track looks toward successful year

Beginning this fall, the Fayette County Track Association Inc. has organized as a newly formed, independent track club, the Fayette Flames, for runners of all ages.

The following officers have been elected: Danielle A. Mathis, president; Michelle Hawkins, secretary; Steve Plunkett, treasurer. The new head coaches of the Fayette Flames are Virgil Fludd and Anthony Hawkins.

While the Fayette Flames will continue to participate in the Georgia Parks and Recreation Association spring youth track program, it is no longer under the authority of the Fayette County Recreation Department. As part of its new year-round program, the association will also conduct a summer track program beginning in May 2000. This will be a USA Track and Field and AAU-sponsored program for runners aged 10-18. In addition, the track club will host a number of “all comers” meets during the summer months for children and adults.

The Fayette County Track Association will also work in conjunction with the International Medalists Association, an Olympic Committee affiliated organization led by former track world record holder, Ron Freeman (Mexico City, 1968), to bring track clinics to the area.

“We are rebuilding this team and last year was the start,” said Danielle Mathis. “The 10 and Under boys 4x100 relay team placed fourth at the state meet in Augusta, while many of our athletes were successful on an individual level.”

Registration for the spring track program with the Fayette Flames will be Monday-Friday, Jan. 17-28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will also be registration Saturdays, Jan. 22 and 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration will be at the Fayette County Recreation Center on Redwine Road in Fayetteville. The fee, which includes uniform and meet fees, will be $55 for the first child, with a $10 discount available for each additional sibling registering.

Practices will be Tuesdays and Thursdays at the track at the McCurry Park football complex in Fayetteville, beginning Feb. 1. Meets will be Saturdays, beginning March 4, and the season will end with the GRPA meet in either late April or early May.

“In addition to raising the level of consciousness about track here in the Fayette County area, the Fayette County Track Association plans to provide an organized and competitive program for the citizens of Fayette County,” said Mathis. “It is important that they are offered opportunities to learn about and participate in competitive and recreational track and field events, while also learning about sportsmanship and the need for the application of a spirit of excellence in all areas of life.”

Coaching and sponsorship opportunities are available for those who want to help build a competitive track program in the Fayetteville area. For information, phone Danielle Mathis at 770-719-4664.

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